Pathways to Progress: Improving access to future-focused work for women on low incomes

The future of work offers reason for both excitement and apprehension. 

While some trends are positive – like the surge in green and tech jobs, the flexibility of hybrid work, and the emergence of new skills – there is evidence that marginalised groups might not benefit equally. Women, especially those in low-income households, are at risk of missing out. They’ve borne the brunt of the negative impacts on job market shifts – they are more likely to do jobs that are at risk of automation; they are less likely to save for retirement as entrepreneurs; and they are considerably less likely to work in the high-growth, high-paying jobs of the future, while being overrepresented in low-paying sectors such as cleaning, retail, and hospitality.

With the support of JP Morgan Chase, we embarked on a mission to uncover the barriers that prevent women on low incomes in the UK from capitalising on the economic opportunities of future-focused work, in order to identify where and how innovation can play a role in helping to solve this multifaceted issue. 

The report provides rich qualitative insights into key challenges that need to be tackled for women on low incomes to harness emerging opportunities in future-focused work. Tackling these challenges will ensure the best chance of:

• women on low incomes not getting ‘left behind’ as the job market changes;
• the economy benefitting from an active workforce;
• and businesses finding the strongest talent.

The research draws insights from in-depth interviews with training providers, career coaches, charity leaders, employers, and researchers working in this space; workshops that brought together professionals working in this field and women with lived experience of being on a low income; and a review of existing literature on the subject.

If you’re interested in learning more about these ideas and our plans to bring them to life, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.